A perfect BALANCE

THE HISTORY OF DPHS IS STEEPED IN TRADITION, LEADERSHIP AND INTEGRITY, AND IS AIMED AT PREPARING THE YOUNG BOY FOR LIFE

Academics and culture, sport and sportsmanship, discipline and support – these are the pillars of DPHS. From the nerves of Grade R to the emotions of the final Grade 7 bell-ringing ceremony, our school is focused on the journey of our boys and their lives thereafter.

With 110 years of quality education and a reputation for excellence, DPHS is a boys’ preparatory school steeped in tradition, where progressive thinking equips our young boys to meet the challenges and opportunities they face in this ever-changing world.

The history of DPHS dates back to 1910, when DHS Headmaster, A.S. Langley, believed the high school needed a preparatory section. This was established in the old St Thomas’ Church hall near DHS, with the first Headmaster Harry Stubbs. The school was relocated to Gordon Road in 1913, and consisted of a hall and 10 classrooms from Grades 3 to 8.

In 1951 and 1967 respectively, the Grade 3 and Grade 8 classes were phased out with DPHS becoming a senior primary school; 21 years later in, 1988, our junior primary (Grades 1 to 3) was introduced. In 1994 we established our first Grade R classes at the Claribel Road campus. With 993 years of combined teaching experience, DPHS has had a number of memorable staff throughout its history. One of our longest serving staff members was Maurice Wilkinson, who taught woodwork at Prep for 57 years. In his honour our school hall is known as the Maurice Wilkinson Hall.

The well-mannered boys learn leadership and develop high levels of integrity, in an environment which provides a down to earth yet highly professional approach to education – in perfect balance – sport and sportsmanship, academics, culture, and a cross-cultural understanding and acceptance.

The DPHS Educational Trust has assisted with numerous developments and improvements to the school facilities resulting in a modern yet traditional school offering 21st century skills.

Participation is the founding principle of the DPHS approach to sport. It is our school’s belief that every boy should have the opportunity to wear school colours on the sports field and enjoy the intrinsic rewards of playing sport and of representing his school.

Our school motto, Debile principium melior fortuna sequetur, means “From small beginnings better fortune follows.” On reflection, our history shows that we are fulfilling this vision in every way, as we continue to prepare our boys for life.

FOR MORE INFO 031 312 2154; marketing@dphs.co.za; www.dphs.co.za